definity
Definity (Perflutren) is a medication supplied as an injection, suspension.
Perflutren · by Lantheus Medcl
Every strength approved under this FDA application (2)
- Definity (this page)Perflutren 13.04MG/2ML (6.52MG/ML)
- Definity RtPerflutren 13.04MG/2ML (6.52MG/ML)
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Perflutren
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Perflutren 13.04MG/2ML (6.52MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Lantheus Medcl
- FDA application
- NDA021064
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Definity?
From the FDA label:DEFINITY RT (perflutren lipid microsphere) injectable suspension is, after activation, an ultrasound contrast agent for intravenous use. The perflutren lipid microspheres are composed of perflutren encapsulated in an outer lipid shell consisting of (R) – hexadecanoic acid, 1-[(phosphonoxy)methyl]-1,2-ethanediyl ester, monosodium salt (abbreviated DPPA); (R) - 4-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-10-oxo-7-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-3,4,9-trioxa-4-phosphapentacosan-1-aminium, 4-oxide, inner salt (abbreviated DPPC); and (R)- ∝-[6-hydroxy-6-oxido-9-[(1-oxohexadecyl)oxy]-5,7,11-trioxa-2-aza-6-phosphahexacos-1-yl]- ω-methoxypoly(ox-1,2-ethanediyl), monosodium salt; commonly called N-( m ethoxy p oly e thylene g lycol 5000 carbamoyl)-1,2- d i p almitoyl-sn-glycero-3- p hosphatidyl e thanolamine, monosodium salt (abbreviated MPEG5000 DPPE). Perflutren is chemically characterized as 1,1,1,2,2,3,3,3-octafluoropropane. It has a molecular weight of 188, empirical formula of C 3 F 8 and has the following structural formula: DPPA has a molecular weight of 670, empirical formula of C 35 H 68 O 8 PNa, and following structural formula: DPPC has a molecular weight of 734, empirical formula of C 40 H 80 NO 8 P, and following structural formula: MPEG5000 DPPE has an approximate molecular weight of 5750 represented by empirical formula C 265 H 527 NO 123 PNa, contains <100ppm Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ and the following…
How to use
Adult Patients Bolus: 10 microL/kg intravenously over 30 seconds to 60 seconds followed by a 10 mL flush of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. Infusion: 1.3 mL added to 50 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection intravenously starting at 4 mL/minute, titrating as necessary, not to exceed 10 mL/minutes. The maximum dose is two bolus doses 30 minute apart or one single infusion. ( 2.2 ) Pediatric Patients Bolus: 3 microL/kg over 30 seconds to 60 seconds by intravenous bolus injection followed by a 5 mL flush of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. The maximum dose is two bolus doses 30 minute apart. ( 2.3 ) See Full Prescribing Information for imaging instructions and preparation ( 2.4 , 2.5 ). 2.1 Important Preparation and Administration Instructions There are two formulations, DEFINITY and DEFINITY RT, that have differences in preparation and storage. Ensure of the correct product when following the directions for preparation and storage. DEFINITY RT must be activated using the VIALMIX RFID device and diluted before administration according to the instructions outlined below [see Dosage and Administration (2.5) ] . DEFINITY RT is for intravenous use only and must not be administered by intra-arterial injection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . For adult patients, DEFINITY RT can be administered by either an intravenous bolus or infusion. The maximum dose is either two bolus doses…
Side effects
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Cardiopulmonary Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pain Episodes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥0.5%) are headache, back/renal pain, flushing, nausea, chest pain, injection site reactions, and dizziness. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc. at 1-800-362-2668 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in Adults Safety of DEFINITY RT was evaluated in a total of 1,716 adult subjects who received DEFINITY, another formulation of perflutren lipid microspheres, in pre-market clinical trials. In this group, 1,063 (62%) were male and 653 (38%) were female, 1,328 (77%) were White, 258 (15%) were Black or African American, 74 (4%) were Hispanic, and 56 (3%) were classified as other racial or ethnic groups. The mean age was 56 years (range 18 to 93). Among the 1,716 subjects, 19 (1.1%)…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Serious cardiopulmonary reactions, including fatalities, have occurred uncommonly during or following perflutren-containing microsphere administration. Most serious reactions occur within 30 minutes of administration. Assess all patients for the presence of any condition that precludes DEFINITY RT administration [see Contraindications (4) ] . Always have resuscitation equipment and trained personnel readily available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . WARNING: SERIOUS CARDIOPULMONARY REACTIONS Serious cardiopulmonary reactions, including fatalities, have occurred uncommonly during or following perflutren-containing microsphere administration. Most serious reactions occur within 30 minutes of administration. Assess all patients for the presence of any condition that precludes DEFINITY RT administration ( 4 ). Always have resuscitation equipment and trained personnel readily available ( 5.1 ).
Warnings
Important safety information
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious acute hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. Always have cardiopulmonary resuscitation personnel and equipment readily available prior to DEFINITY RT administration and monitor all patients for acute reactions. ( 5.2 ) Pain Episodes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease: Discontinue DEFINITY RT for new or worsening pain. ( 5.5 ) 5.1 Serious Cardiopulmonary Reactions Serious cardiopulmonary reactions including fatalities have occurred uncommonly during or shortly following perflutren-containing microsphere administration, typically within 30 minutes of administration. The risk for these reactions may be increased among patients with unstable cardiopulmonary conditions (acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary artery syndromes, worsening or unstable congestive heart failure, or serious ventricular arrhythmias). Always have cardiopulmonary resuscitation personnel and equipment readily available prior to DEFINITY RT administration and monitor all patients for acute reactions. The reported reactions include: fatal cardiac or respiratory arrest, shock, syncope, symptomatic arrhythmias (atrial fibrillation, tachycardia, bradycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia), hypertension, hypotension, dyspnea, hypoxia, chest pain, respiratory distress, stridor, wheezing, loss of consciousness, and convulsions [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . 5.2 Hypersensitivity Reactions In postmarketing use, serious hypersensitivity reactions were observed during or shortly following perflutren-containing microsphere administration including: Anaphylaxis, with manifestations that may include death, shock, bronchospasm, throat tightness, angioedema, edema (pharyngeal, palatal, mouth, peripheral, localized), swelling (face, eye, lip, tongue, upper airway), facial hypoesthesia, rash, urticaria, pruritus, flushing, and erythema. These reactions have occurred in patients with no prior exposure to perflutren-containing microsphere products. DEFINITY RT contains PEG. There may be increased risk of serious reactions including death in patients with prior hypersensitivity reaction(s) to PEG [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) and Description (11) ] . Clinically assess patients for prior hypersensitivity reactions to products containing PEG, such as certain colonoscopy bowel preparations and laxatives. DEFINITY RT is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to perflutren lipid microsphere or its components such as PEG [see Contraindications (4) ]. Always have cardiopulmonary resuscitation personnel and equipment readily available prior to DEFINITY RT administration and monitor all patients for hypersensitivity reactions. 5.3 Systemic Embolization When administering DEFINITY RT to patients with a cardiac shunt, the microspheres can bypass filtering by the lung and enter the arterial circulation. Assess patients with shunts for embolic phenomena following DEFINITY RT administration. DEFINITY RT is only for intravenous administration and must not be administered by intra-arterial injection [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 , 2.3) ] . 5.4 Ventricular Arrhythmia Related to High Mechanical Index High ultrasound mechanical index values may cause microsphere cavitation or rupture and lead to ventricular arrhythmias. Additionally, end-systolic triggering with high mechanical indices has been reported to cause ventricular arrhythmias. The maximum recommended mechanical index for use with DEFINITY RT is 0.8 in adult patients and 0.3 in pediatric patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.5 Pain Episodes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease In postmarketing reports, acute pain episodes shortly following DEFINITY RT administration have been reported in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD). The pain episodes included moderate to severe back pain and vaso-occlusive crisis [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ]. If a patient with sickle cell disease experiences new or worsening pain, discontinue DEFINITY RT.
Who should not take Definity
DEFINTY RT is contraindicated in patients with known or suspected hypersensitivity to Perflutren lipid microsphere or its components, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Description (11) ]. Known or suspected hypersensitivity to perflutren lipid microsphere or its Components, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) ( 4 )
Storing Definity, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “on and Administration Instructions There are two formulations, DEFINITY and DEFINITY RT, that have differences in preparation and storage.”
- “Store the activated, diluted DEFINITY RT at room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) in the original product vial with the 13mm ViaLok still attached.”
- “Store the activated DEFINITY at room temperature 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) in the original product vial.”
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Frequently asked questions
- Is there a coupon or discount for Definity?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Definity. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Definity?
- Definity is marketed by Lantheus Medcl. You can see Lantheus Medcl's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Definity a brand-name or generic drug?
- Definity is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Perflutren.
- Is Definity available over the counter?
- No. Definity is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Definity come in?
- Definity is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Definity FDA-registered?
- Definity is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA021064. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Definity safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Definity. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Definity?
- Definity's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Serious Cardiopulmonary Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Pain Episodes in Patients with Sickle Cell Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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